Sure! Here's a rewritten version of the title: **"Trump's Birthright Citizenship Stunt: A Familiar Playbook"** Let me know if you'd like additional adjustments!

 Circumventing the 14th Amendment through an executive order is a bold move that is unlikely to alter the law but sets the stage for a confrontation the president is eager to pursue.

No longer welcome.

January 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM GMT+6

On his first full day as president, Donald Trump attended an inaugural service at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday. During the service, Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde made a heartfelt plea to the newly inaugurated president.

“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she said, emphasizing that the majority of immigrants are law-abiding, tax-paying, and contribute positively to their communities.

Trump appeared indifferent to her words. A longtime advocate for stricter immigration policies, he wasted no time signaling his intentions. A series of executive orders signed shortly after his Monday inauguration aimed to reshape the nation’s approach to immigration. Among the most controversial was an effort to alter birthright citizenship — a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment — and create a subclass of children born in the U.S. who would not be recognized as citizens due to the immigration status of their parents.

The order, set to take effect in less than a month, declared that babies born in the U.S. to undocumented parents would no longer be granted citizenship. Even more startling, it extended to children of legal immigrants whose status was deemed temporary, including those on student visas, H-1B work visas, and those in refugee programs such as Temporary Protected Status.

This aggressive move is consistent with Trump’s longstanding push to limit immigration. While many acknowledge the need for reforms in programs like H-1B, critics argue that Trump’s approach is unnecessarily punitive and divisive.

Ultimately, the legality of such an order will likely be decided by the Supreme Court. The 14th Amendment clearly states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This principle, designed to grant citizenship to freed slaves, was affirmed in the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark. That decision, which upheld birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to foreign parents, has stood for over a century.

While Trump may believe the conservative-leaning Supreme Court — with three justices he appointed — will side with him, legal experts anticipate significant challenges. His attempt to reshape immigration law has already sparked resistance, with 22 Democratic-led states preparing to file lawsuits, and organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union mobilizing against the policy.

The birthright citizenship issue is only part of Trump’s broader crackdown on immigration. He has suspended the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program, claiming his predecessor admitted too many refugees, and ordered the Department of Defense’s Northern Command to develop plans to further militarize border enforcement. Additionally, thousands of asylum appointments have been canceled, and entry for Syrian refugees has been indefinitely suspended.

Trump has also broadened the scope of immigration raids, removing prior guidelines that exempted schools, hospitals, churches, and other sensitive locations from enforcement actions. Despite earlier claims that his administration would prioritize deporting criminals, these changes suggest a more indiscriminate approach.

The effects of Trump’s immigration policies extend far beyond immigrants themselves. Critics argue that this harsh approach undermines America’s long-standing reputation as a land of opportunity and a refuge for those seeking freedom.

Bishop Budde’s plea to Trump resonated widely online, but not without backlash. Representative Mike Collins, a Republican from Georgia, mocked her, suggesting on social media that she should be added to the “deportation list.” It was a stark reminder of the deep divisions in the country.

Immigrants have long been a cornerstone of what makes America exceptional, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry and economic vitality. While reform is undoubtedly necessary, many believe Trump’s approach erodes the spirit of generosity and inclusion that defines the nation.

As the daughter of naturalized immigrants, I reflect on how my family’s story mirrors America’s promise. My father, until his last day, believed this country to be the greatest in the world. He saw American citizenship as his greatest gift to me.

It is disheartening to think that Trump’s America may become a smaller, less compassionate place, turning its back on the very qualities that have made it a beacon of hope for generations of newcomers seeking freedom and opportunity.